With China regaining dominance in the global EV market by cornering 53% of global sales in 2021, Changan Auto has leveled up its new energy vehicle capabilities with the addition of Avatr.
Avatr is the Changan Auto subsidiary that is the result of a joint venture between 5G technology leader Huawei, and the world’s leading lithium battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL). This is in line with Changan Auto’s Shangri-La plan released in 2017 that aims to stop selling traditional fuel-powered vehicles by 2025. Operating as an independent entity, Avatr is currently developing a new breed of intelligent high-performing electric cars and is taking full advantage of the expertise of its three principals in the areas of whole vehicle integration, software technology, and electrification.
The first Avatr model is expected to hit the China market this year, boasting 200 kW of supercharging, a driving range of up to 700 kilometers on one charge, and an acceleration time of zero to 100 km/hour in less than four seconds.
“Given these exciting developments, Changan is truly on a massive EV offensive. Under its new energy program, the Shangri-La Plan, it aims to be a global leader in EVs by 2030. With the rising fuel prices and the Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations Act (Senate Bill No. 1382) soon to be passed into law, we are optimistic that the much-desired EV ecosystem will be established, so that more and more Filipinos will be given the chance to enjoy the benefits of owning one of the world’s best-selling pure electric cars,” said Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, president and CEO of Changan Motor Philippines, Inc. (CMPI), the official distributor of Changan cars in the Philippines.
Known to dedicate some 5% of its annual sales to research and development (R&D), the Changan Group recently announced a whopping USD 12.55 billion priority investment on NEVs by the end of 2025 with projected sales of 1.5 million electric cars and plug-in hybrids or some 35% of the company’s total sales for that year.